PHILIPPINE
DANCE
MAP
PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE
The Philippines, with its rich history and cultural diversity, boasts a
wide array of traditional folk dances. These dances not only represent
the vibrant and diverse culture of the country but also serve as a
means to preserve and promote its heritage. Throughout the years,
folk dances have been passed down from generation to generation,
showcasing the Philippines’ distinct regional identities and traditions.
FOLK DANCES IN
LUZON THE TRADITIONS AND HERITAGE OF LUZON
Luzon, the nothernmost region of the Philippines is rich in
traditions and heritage. In traces its cultural influences from
Hindu, Buddhist, Spanish, and many other ethnic religious
tribes. The cultural folk dances from this region represent all
“We shall
the different factions or
never
tribal forget
groups in one way or another.
our heritage”
IDAW
This dance has many names and different versions. It
depicts the hunting ritual performed before a tribal war.
The tribesmen would go out and look up and watch out for
the scared Idaw bird which is said to lead the tribe to
victory. Considering the Philippines as a very humid
country, the traditional clothing was made to cover not
much of the body.
As one of the cordillera dances, this Bontoc dance depicts
a war ceremony performed by warriors of rival tribes. Idaw,
meaning “bird” is celebrated because it was the omen
bearer of war.
RAGRAGSAKAN
The Kalingga borrowed the beautiful word “ragragsakan”
from the Ilocano, which means “merriment”. The two
biggest occasions for a ragragsakan in a kalinga village
are for the homecoming of successful head takers and the
culmination of peace pact between warring tribes. Kalinga
maidens balance “labba” or woven baskets on their heads,
wave colorful tribal blankets, and sing short salidumay
songs as they snake through the terrace dikes and skip
through breaks in the path. This dance portrays the walk
of the industrious kalinga women, carrying water pots on
their heads and wearing the colorful hand-woven
“blankets of life” around their neck.
BINASUAN
The binasuan is a Filipino folk dance in which the performer
holds full wine glasses in each hand while performing
balancing tricks. Wine may be used to fill the glasses, but
other liquids may be substituted. The arms are rotated over
and under the shoulder in order to keep the palms facing up
so as not to spill the liquid while nevertheless allowing the
radius to cross over the ulna via pronation. Binasuan
originated in Pangasinan and is popular at festive events
such as weddings.
FOLK DANCES IN
VISAYAS LOVE OF LIFE AND COUNTRY – VISAYAS REGION
The central islands of the Philippines, are grouped into three
sections: Central, Eastern, and Western. The peope in the
region consist of Autronesians, Negritos, and the Animist
Tribal Group. Visayas became a melting pot for many
different tribes and cultural backgrounds. You will see that the
dances of the Visayas are more upbeat and exciting, not so
“Live Long, Live Happy, Die
much in drama and tribal meanings as other regions.
Proud”
GAPNOD
Gapnod (Cebuano for “flotsam”) is a worship dance
popular among the people of Negros Oriental. It is a
reenactment of the discovery by a fisherman of the
image of St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of
the town of Sibulan, Negros Oriental. The dance is
one of rejoicing and merrymaking that ends in a
fluvial procession along the coast.
SURTIDO CEBUANO
The Surtido Cebuano is a square dance said to have
originated in Bantayan, Cebu. It is a cobbling together of
Spanish, Mexican, and French influences along with
indigenous elements. Surtido (literally, assortment) is
performed by several pairs of dancers, with the head pair
called cabeceras and the side pairs, costados, guiding the
other dancers in varied quadrille formations. It used to be a
dance of long duration performed by a big group to the tune
of beautiful Visayan folk airs. The modern arrangement is
more lively and suitable for dancing by small groups.
MANANAGAT
The mimetic dance Mananagat (Cebuano for
“fisherman”) depicts fishermen at sea.
Dancers in long-line formations mimic women
scooping water from the banca (canoe) with
bamboo shells and men wielding wooden
paddles.
FOLK DANCES IN
MINDANAO
Mindanao is the southernmost region of The Philippines. It is
the second largest island group and its cultural groupings
consist of mostly Muslim or “Moro” people, and other ethnic
groups such as the Maranao, Tausug, Banguingui, and
“Pride
indigenous tribes and
known Honor
as Lumad.– Mindanao
Region”
ASIK
This dance is performed by a solo maiden,
adorned with fine beads make-up, and a long
head scarf. The maiden would dance to win
the favor of her Sultan master. She would give
her whole heart and soul into this
performance to soften the heart of her master
and accept her.
PANGALAY
The pangalay is native to the badjao, who are
also known as “Sea Gypsies”. It is a dance
that emphasizes the agility of the upper body.
The pangalay is commonly performed at
weddings and other social gatherings. One
will also see some parts of the Singkil in this
dance. This dance is sometimes called the
Muslim Dance of Four Bamboos.
KINI KINI
Kini means the Royal Walk. Maranao
women perform this dance with
scarves. The beauty of the scarves
and the talent and grace in which it is
displayed shows their elite social
upbringing.
THANK
YOU!
